In many parts of the country, 2026 has opened under a cloud of uncertainty. Economic pressures continue to strain household budgets, and extreme weather events are testing the limits of aging infrastructure. For families and community organizations already operating on tight margins, equipment failure can quickly become a crisis.  

For a veteran living on a fixed income, a failed furnace in January can mean choosing between  repairs and groceries. For a small-town church or community center, an aging rooftop unit can threaten programming that keeps neighbors connected. For a family navigating medical hardship, reliable indoor air quality and temperature control become part of recovery itself.  

Trane Technologies is reinforcing a simple but increasingly urgent premise: growth and goodwill do not have to exist on separate tracks.  

Through its “Do What’s Right” program, the company empowers its network of Trane Comfort Specialists and American Standard Customer Care dealers to donate HVAC systems directly to families and nonprofits facing hardship. Since launching in 2020, the initiative has resulted in more than 10,000 donated units nationwide — a figure that underscores not only corporate commitment, but also the willingness of independent dealers to step forward when their communities need them most.  

In 2025 alone, more than 1,700 dealers opted into the program’s growth benefit, helping deliver more than 3,500 donated systems in a single year — a record milestone. The numbers tell one story. But at its core, “Do What’s Right” is less about units installed and more about what those installations represent: restored comfort, renewed dignity, and the quiet reassurance that someone showed up at the right time.  

As communities continue to navigate economic strain and infrastructure challenges, that kind of presence may matter more than ever.  

I spoke with Emma Carter, Elite Dealer Program Leader at Trane Technologies, to discuss the program, and how the company is helping communities.    

As 2026 begins, why does access to reliable home comfort matter more than ever for families and community organizations?    

During a time of uncertainty, it is imperative that families, nonprofits, and community centers have  dependable comfort solutions that they can rely on. We understand the value of providing peace of  mind to our customers, and we’re honored to support those facing natural disasters and other  
hardships by providing essential units when they need them the most.   

Can you explain the mission behind Trane Technologies’ Do What’s Right program and how it fits into the company’s broader commitment to social responsibility?    

The program reinforces Trane Technologies’ broader commitment to helping those in need by ensuring comfort, reliability and peace of mind when it matters most. These efforts help support local nonprofits, housing initiatives and families facing hardship, underscoring Trane
Technologies’ dedication to social responsibility and fostering community well-being.                                                                                                              

What inspired Trane Technologies to structure DWR as a dealer-led initiative rather than a centrally managed donation program?    

Supporting our dealers is a core value of ours that we take an immense amount of pride in upholding. Enabling them to lead and manage this program reflects our gratitude for their partnership and our commitment to help them build, maintain, and strengthen meaningful  
relationships with their community.    

Since launching in 2020, the program has supported more than 10,000 donated units. What does that level of participation say about dealer engagement and industry appetite for community giving?   

The tremendous level of dealer participation and engagement within our “Do What’s Right” program ignites chain reactions of goodwill and charitable action within the communities they serve, elevating the standard for social responsibility across the HVAC industry. 

2025 marked a record year, with more than 3,500 units donated. What factors contributed to that growth?    

We attribute some of this growth to dealers hearing how other dealers are giving back and wanting to make a similar impact. Our Elite Dealers are a special group, and these stories truly resonate with them. As we continue sharing examples of dealers supporting their communities, more Elite Dealers are inspired to help those who otherwise couldn’t afford heating or cooling services.  

How does the DWR growth benefit encourage dealer participation while still keeping the focus on community impact?    

The “Do What’s Right” growth benefit encourages participation by directly linking dealer success to community impact. By allowing dealers the autonomy to support those in need within their local  communities, the program strengthens dealer relationships within their own communities while keeping the mission of the program at its core. Growth becomes a natural outcome of service-driven  action, ensuring the incentive reinforces the program’s commitment to helping those who need it most.     

What types of organizations and individuals most often benefit from donated HVAC systems through the program?    

The program has supported various communities through HVAC donation – most notably, elders, veterans, teachers/schools, churches, nonprofits, police/first responders and families and, at times, have included donations through larger charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, VFW, United Way, and Humane Society.            

Can you share an example of how a DWR donation made a meaningful difference for a family or nonprofit?    

 One of our recent “Do What’s Right” donations was made by Hoock’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted dealer serving the greater Wentzville, Missouri area. In December of 2024, Tommy Shine—a local fire captain, community pillar, and father of five— suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. In the months that followed, Tommy made a truly miraculous recovery, despite requiring a quadruple amputation.  

In February 2025, he began rehabilitation at a world-class medical facility in Chicago. With the unwavering support of his loving family, Tommy now faces a long and challenging road to recovery. Inspired by his strength and resilience, Hoock’s Heating & Cooling stepped up to give back to a local hero. Through the “Do What’s Right” program, they fully installed a brand-new HVAC system in the Shine family’s home, complete with the latest air purification technology—ensuring Tommy returns from rehab to a safe, healthy, and comfortable home environment.    

From a dealer perspective, how does participating in DWR strengthen relationships within their local communities?    

 From a dealer perspective, participating in “Do What’s Right” strengthens relationships within their local communities by giving them a meaningful way to show up for the people they serve. By providing comfort solutions to nonprofits, housing organizations, and families facing hardship, dealers become trusted community partners and not just service providers. This hands-on involvement demonstrates genuine care, builds goodwill, and deepens personal connections with  local leaders, organizations, and residents.    

What lessons has Trane Technologies learned over the past five years about scaling charitable impact through a dealer network?    

Over the past five years, Trane Technologies has learned that scaling charitable impact through a dealer network is most effective when support is rooted in trust, empowerment, and simplicity. By giving dealers the autonomy to identify the local needs of the communities they serve, impact becomes more authentic and more deeply connected within each. With clear objectives, consistent structure, and streamlined resources, dealers are more willing to engage when the process fits naturally into their day‑to‑day operations. Most importantly, when dealers are recognized, supported, and aligned around a shared purpose, their participation organically grows year after year.    

Looking ahead, how do you see the Do What’s Right program evolving as communities continue to face economic and infrastructure challenges?    

No matter the season, there is always the opportunity to “Do What’s Right”. By continuing to parter with our independent Trane Comfort Specialists and American Standard Customer Care dealers through this program, we are providing one avenue to support those in local communities that are the most in need.